Pittsburg, PA

Pittsburgh-area voters focused on economy, reproductive rights, latest WESA/Campos survey shows

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2024

Pittsburgh-area voters focused on economy, reproductive rights, latest WESA/Campos survey shows

This is WESA Politics, a weekly newsletter by Chris Potter providing analysis about Pittsburgh and state politics. If you want it earlier — we’ll deliver it to your inbox on Thursday afternoon — sign up here.

The genius of the American political system is that thanks to its endless campaign cycle, by the time we vote, we’re often sick of the candidates. It’s arguably a good way to prepare yourself for the possibility of disappointment after the winner is sworn in.

Did that sound cynical? Thanks to our WESA/Campos Pulse survey — the product of an ongoing partnership between us and the Pittsburgh-based marketing firm — I can tell you such sentiments merely prove I’m young at heart.

When Campos undertook a pre-primary survey of voter attitudes it found that 28% of voters aged 18 to 34 said their vote had no influence at all on national elections. Only 11% of voters over age 65 were so jaded. (Voters aged 35 to 64 skewed closer to the younger mindset: 23% said their vote had no impact. But that demographic includes Gen Xers, so what do you expect?)

The survey sought to gauge voters’ mindsets, rather than ask horse-race questions about who they’d vote for. But fully 13% of younger voters told the Campos team they hadn’t made up their minds yet. That compared to just 2% of people over 65, and 11% of folks 35 to 64.

Oh, for the boundless idealism and energy of old age!

It’s no secret that younger voters are less likely to turn out for elections: In our last presidential election, slightly more than half of eligible citizens between 18 and 34 turned out, while nearly three-quarters of older adults did. This year’s lack of enthusiasm is likely compounded by frustrations over the war in Gaza. Those are particularly common among younger Americans, as the protests outside President Joe Biden’s appearance in Pittsburgh this week remind us. This CNN piece, anyway, was not the kind of coverage Biden came out here for.

Still, it’s notable that when asked about the issues most important to them, there wasn’t much difference among age groups. Voters across the board said economic issues and reproductive rights were their biggest concerns. (The largest difference was that younger respondents cared a lot less about immigration and crime — and election integrity! — than elderly voters, but more about education.)

From the standpoint of voter engagement, the generational enthusiasm gap closes as elections get closer to home. Young voters are more likely to say they can have an impact on state and local elections: Only 11% say they have no local impact, which is barely different from the 8% share of older voters who feel disempowered.

And even with the presidential nominees for both parties already set, next week’s primary has other contests to attract our interest.

Maybe the most meaningful contest whose outcome we don’t already know is the race for state attorney general, where two Republicans and five Democrats hope to be their parties’ nominee. Pittsburgh son Eugene DePasquale is a Democratic contender, and he has some advantages: He’s the only western Pennsylvania candidate, and he’s held statewide office as auditor general. On the other hand, he’s never practiced criminal law … and despite declining crime rates, public safety is a top issue for more than 40% of older voters in our Campos survey.

Still, Josh Shapiro had no criminal law experience before he ran for AG, and he’s managed to eke out a decent political career. And while there are races for treasurer and auditor general on the ballot, who Pennsylvania chooses as its next AG could have national implications. Shapiro challenged Trump and his supporters on election integrity and reproductive rights, while Republican AGs elsewhere have thwarted Biden on issues that include student debt forgiveness.

A lot of pundits will be keeping an eye on the 12th Congressional District Democratic primary contest between Summer Lee and Bhavini Patel, though the race hasn’t gone quite as expected. There was a lot of talk early on that pro-Israel groups would spend millions here, but it hasn’t happened. And while Patel has sought to question Lee’s loyalty to Biden, Lee got a thumbs up from the president during his visit Wednesday: He listed her alongside fellow Congressman Chris Deluzio and other Democrats as one of “the folks who had my back” in Washington.

Even so, anecdotal evidence suggests that some of the ads that have hit the airwaves have made an impression. And Patel has been a pugnacious critic, one of the few who can go toe-to-toe with Lee.

It may also be worth your while to keep an eye on what happens in the state House District 34 seat Lee used to hold, where Ashley Comans is challenging first-term Democratic incumbent Abigail Salisbury. A lot of locals will be watching this battle as an early test of the political coattails of Lee and her progressive allies, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and County Executive Sara Innamorato.

The three endorsed Comans over Salisbury, putting themselves at odds with Democratic interest groups that sided with the incumbent. Since then, we’ve already seen fundraising reports that show the local at progressive base being augmented by national interests — a dynamic we’ve witnessed before.

But while previous progressive challenges have often involved taking on white males who skew more conservative, Salisbury is less easy to pigeonhole: She’s a bisexual Jewish woman whose votes have been in line with the liberal mainstream.

Comans is a worthy challenger, a longtime activist who serves as a Wilkinsburg school board member — the most thankless elected position in America. But if she wins, it may be time for local progressives to hang up the talk about taking on the “political establishment.” They will be the establishment, if they aren’t already.

And that too is the cycle of life. The vanguard of today becomes the rear-guard of tomorrow, and someday you realize you too are a supervoter over the age of 65, sharing a demographic with presidential nominees.

Hope that makes you young voters feel more optimistic about the future!

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Pittsburg, PA

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

Published

4 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely one of the teams that will be heavily considering a wide receiver when it comes to their very valuable first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One of the top options, and considered by many analysts to be the best overall, is Ohio State Buckeye alum Carnell Tate. Tate is a three-year starter at Ohio State, and the top wide receiver selection is likely to be between him and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.

While at Ohio State, Tate was a teammate of current Steelers backup quarterback Will Howard, and was asked about him during his workout at Ohio State’s Pro Day.

“Oh, Will isn’t giving me no tips. He’s probably going to root for me to come with him to Pittsburgh,” Tate said.

“I’m happy for him. I wish him nothing but the best. Love that guy to death,” Tate also said.

Howard would not be the first person to try to get their former teammate to join them from college to their professional team, with one big example being Derek Carr and Davante Adams a couple years prior.

If Tate were to join the Steelers, he would be the third member of the 2024 Ohio State National Championship-winning team to play for the Steelers simultaneously, with Howard and surging young linebacker Jack Sawyer having played on the Steelers in 2025.

Will Tate Go To Pittsburgh?

Tate is quite unlikely to end up with the Steelers, as he is expected to be among the first players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Steelers having the No. 21 selection, they would need to make a significant trade forward to likely jump into the zone where Tate would be available.

“I think I’m a great football player,” Tate said about going into the NFL. “My speed … the combine is one time, but ultimately I’m a great football player. When you put the pads on, it’s another level.”

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) throws the ball to wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

They could probably do that, due to the fact that they have 12 selections across the seven rounds. At this point in time, it does not see they love any particular player enough to make that big of a trade up, but trades into the late end of the top ten are quite common. Yet, their move to land Michael Pittman Jr. would make it significantly less likely that they make such a move to get another wide receiver.

While at Ohio State, Tate was always in the top half of their wide receiver room, yet played among some of the most talented wide receivers in recent history in current NFL player Emeka Egbuka and young talent Jeremiah Smith. He finished his final collegiate season with All-Big Ten honors, as well as well as being a second team All-American.

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Pittsburg, PA

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Published

16 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.

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Pittsburg, PA

Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.

Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out PFL Pittsburgh results below.

Main Card (ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET)

Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle

Dalton Rosta vs. Impa Kasanganay

Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Sumiko Inaba

Alexei Pergande vs. Julio Arce

Lazaro Dayron vs. Jacob Thrall

Prelims (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)

Allan Begosso vs. Jack Cartwright

Natan Schulte vs. Jakub Kaszuba

Robert Watley vs. Dakota Bush